The Conclusion of Emma

Today was jam-packed with fun!

We started the day with Emma's final birthday party with her friends. We rented out a gymnasium and so the kids could just go wild. They had such a blast. Ten six year olds. Wow.

Landon had his Jr. Jazz basketball game and then pictures afterward.

Then we went out to Chili's.

When we got home we put Livi down for a nap and the four of us enjoyed a family movie night with popcorn and candy.

After that, Landon and Jeremy went to see "Mall Cop".

Now I have 14 whole days until Livi's birthday. What am I going to do with all that free time!

Birthday Celebration

Last night we celebrated Emma's birthday. Each year the kids get to choose whatever restaurant they want, and then they get one present to open from all of us.

Emma chose the Mayan. The last time we were there was in October for Landon's birthday. I was fine with the choice because we've been having some 'volume control' issues with Livi and I knew it would entertain her, as well as drown her out. We took a few pictures while waiting to be seated.


Anyway, I guess it changed owners since our last visit and everything was just horrible. So we decided to leave our table and go across the street to Joe's Crab Shack. It was great. The kids had a playground to run around on and they really made Emma feel special by singing to her with a princess tiara. When they started dancing, Livi had to get down and bust a move- she never turns down a good beat. Definitely the perfect place to spend some good family birthday fun.



Now we have just have to get through her party with her friends on Saturday, and that will conclude the 'Week of Emma'.

I heart her.

Sir Landon

Landon's school has a monthly assembly where one student gets to become a "Challenger Knight". The school called and asked us to come to the assembly, but not to tell Landon about it. I was bummed that I couldn't go, but luckily Jeremy could. He took these pictures with his phone, so they aren't the best quality, but I was happy to get whatever I could.

Landon is such a smart and humble kid. He's so good to his friends and loves to be a good student. He came home the other day and said that a girl (to remain nameless- Abbigail) was copying off his paper every time they took a test. He didn't want to tell the teacher because he didn't want to be a tattle-tale, but also felt bad for her that she didn't know the answers.

I'm so proud of the child he is, and the young man he is becoming!

Six Years Old Today

Happy Birthday Miss Emma.

Wow, six years old!

You are an amazing, talented, sensitive,
beautiful, smart, and funny girl.

We are so lucky to know you!

Here are some things about Emma:

She loves to cuddle
She changes outfits several times a day, depending on the event.
Jeremy wanted to name her Ava. I won.
She is the best big sister to Livi.
We are working on being a better sister to Landon.
Her favorite color is pink.
She loves desserts.
She loves school.
Her best friend (today) is Maloreigh.
She wants a cat.
She has a beautiful smile.
She loves to clean.
She is a great friend.

The Week of Emma

This is Emma's Birthday Week. She is turning six on Wednesday, so we decided to do something fun this weekend. We dropped Livi off at the Woods (thanks!) and then went to the live show, Walking With the Dinosaurs. We knew it would be a little loud and scary for Livi, and it was also nice to give our undivided attention to Landon and Emma. It was a great show. The dinosaurs were very realistic and huge! It was very educational as well as entertaining.



Then it was back to Brent and Cheryl's to pick up Livi. Grandpa and Grandma were there, so we decided to stick around to enjoy some good company, as well as Robintino's, Wii Fit, and a present for Emma.




The Week of Emma continues...

My Little Comedian

Yesterday:
Mom: Landon, quit throwing the magnets at the fridge-you're going to hurt it.

Landon: I didn't know the fridge had feelings.


Today:
Landon: Are you making Obama coffee Mom?

Mom: Yup, and it's so good!

Landon: Is there McCain coffee?

Mom: Yes, but I didn't buy it.

Landon: Yea, it's probably too old.

New Neighbors

Living next door to an abandoned house concerns me for various reasons. Some of which being that it decreases our home value, there are weeds creeping into my yard, and the unknown of who will end up living there.

Well, for the last few days, I've noticed some new residents living there so we decided to spy on them.

Here's what I can tell so far:


They keep to themselves...


They always seem nervous...


They sit around a lot...


They eat a lot...


And they are very hairy...

Utes!!

Jeremy and Landon had the awesome opportunity to go to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl. It was a long journey, taking them three airlines, and an entire day to get there. Landon takes it so personally when he goes to a game and they lose, so for his sake, I was hoping for a win.

Thankfully they not only pulled out a win, but completely ran over the Crimson Tide. It was so fun watching it at home knowing my boys were having the time of their lives. In fact, Livi even got into the action...

They were only home for two days from California before they had to fly out again, so by the time they got home, they were completely exhausted...but they had a blast!

Loving Conversations

Emma: Mom, Landon says he's being a zebra, but he doesn't sound like one. What sound does a zebra make?

Mom: I don't know, I guess it's like half horse and half sheep.

Emma: Well he sounds like half-idiot.

Ask Me Where I Am Right Now

So there are 20 or so people in my basement right now having ping-pong, pool, and Wii tournaments. Where am I? In bed...alone (thought I'd clarify).

I never get a flu shot and this year I let my Pediatrician give me a guilt trip about Livi being 'high risk' so as a responsible parent, I need to get one. Well guess who has the chills, shakes, muscle aches, and 102 fever!? Thanks flu shot- you rock. Now I'm laying down- which might I add feels SO good, blogging on my crackberry until the muscle relaxers kick in (thanks Gary). This isn't exactly how I expected to start my New Year. The worst part is that Jeremy flies out tomorrow to the Sugar Bowl so I have no clue how I'm gonna be a mom tomorrow. Why isn't there anyone to take care of Mommies? Okay, I'm done complaining...Happy freakin New Year.

Christmas in California

We decided to get out of the snow and enjoy some sunny weather for Christmas this year. I know there are a lot of people that love the snow and relish in the idea of a "White Christmas", but we are not one of them. I would be happy to never see the snow again.

This is the first time we've ever been away from home during Christmas and I wasn't sure if we would feel the same 'spirit' without a tree, stockings and Santa- but to our surprise, it was the best Christmas we've ever experienced. The hustle and bustle of school events, sitting on Santa's lap, multiple family parties, and last minute shopping, seem to really take away from the spirit of Christmas. More than anything, it really just stresses me out.

Without those things, we simply enjoyed the most important gift - time as a family. On Christmas Eve, the kids got their traditional Christmas jammies. Then I read a book about Jesus' birth to remind them why we celebrate Christmas and to help reiterate why they only get a few gifts from Santa each year (only one for Livi, but she can't count yet!).

Then it was off to Disneyland, California Adventures, Malibu, Long Beach and Hollywood. We also saw a couple of movies and just relaxed and played. There was absolutely no stress- except for when the crazy man in the Spiderman costume yelled at us on Hollywood Blvd...long story.

It was so great to spend this much uninterrupted family time together...traveling over the holiday may become a new tradition for us!

Emma's Recital

Emma's been taking dance for a couple of years now, but this year she wanted to try cheer. I still really wanted her in dance, but I've always made it my rule that I won't force my kids into [or out of] any extra-curricular activity. So if baby wants to cheer, baby gets to cheer.

So yea, after about a month, she wanted to quit. This is when I had to break my rule, because we had already committed to the Christmas concert. She wouldn't tell me why she wanted to quit, but after going into watch her class, I could see why... let's just say, the teacher needs sensitivity lessons. I told her she needed to finish the concert and then she didn't have to go back.

Ugh...the concert. It took 2 hours to drive there (the first huge snow storm of the year) and there were 31 dances. We were #29. Yup, good times.

The Entire Dance Company

Not to overshadow Emma's big day, but I had to mention this. There is this cute girl that Landon has been going to school with for the last three years and she also happens to cheer at Emma's studio. At the concert, she kept bringing her friends over to Landon and introduced him as her boyfriend. I can't believe my son has his first girlfriend.! He told me not to embarrass him about it, so of course I didn't...I simply asked her to pose with her future husband and sister-in-law for a picture ;)

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Last Friday night we were driving in the dark when Landon and Emma had the funniest conversation:

Landon: Look Emma! A full moon.

Emma: Wow, it's sooooo bright. It must be really happy.

Landon: That would also explain why we are acting so strangely.


This morning as I was getting Emma ready for school when she said:

"Mom, can you please stop doing my laundry for a while- I have more than enough socks."

Sunday Funday

Jeremy decided last minute to go to San Fransisco for the 49ers game and since I was left all to my lonesome, I invited Gary and the kids over. My kids were so excited to see Taylor and Harrison and had a lot of fun with them. Emma started to cry when they were getting ready to leave. They both really miss them- we all do. It was great to see you guys!

A great way to wake up

I'm going to write a book on how to raise the perfect boy.

That is- as soon as I figure out how I'm doing it.

On My Honor

We started scouts.

One more thing to do on the weeknights- add to that cheer, tumbling, and basketball. I was thinking about getting the kids in piano and swimming too.

Whatever.

Somethings gotta give.

I was really excited about scouts until tonight. I think I left a bad impression with his scout leader.

I'm a girl.

I don't understand scouts. I don't know what to expect. I feel so out of my element.

Landon is really excited though.

And he looks cute in his uniform.

Cyber Monday

'Cyber Monday' was a phrase coined by retailers three years ago, when trends were showing that there was a increase in online sales the Monday after Thanksgiving. The theory being that people would go to work, still in a turkey coma from the long holiday, and get online and continue their shopping. I remember doing that myself as an employee...aaah the good old days- getting paid to surf the net!

Well, I made mention of some great deals on my Black Friday post, but there are some new ones, that I wanted to share. The best part of these sales- no one will get hurt.

• Oldnavy.com- 20% off- Today only.
  
• Toysrus.com- Up to 60% off and free shipping if you spend over $25.
• Shoebuy.com- 15% off plus free shipping
• Bestbuy.com- Online only today. Free shipping and discounts on almost all electronics.
• Babygap.com- 15% off and free shipping.
• Gymboree.com- 20% off of sale items.
• Kohls.com- 15% off of orders of $100. Free shipping.
  

Okay, that's all for now, I've gotta get the kids off to school so I can completely ignore Livi for an hour while I shop. Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!